Young adults focus of latest FMPD outreach

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Young adults said they want the Fort Myers Police Department to improve and catch up with the times Wednesday as part of the department’s ongoing community outreach sessions.

The two-hour meeting at the Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Center featured a dialogue between officers, who spoke about the challenges they face in their jobs, and members of the public between the ages of 18 and 24.

“I hope they will actually be there for us like they used to,” said Jada Davis, a high school junior.

The city is dealing with multiple unsolved cases, including the deadly Club Blu and Zombicon shootings.

Some of those who attended praised the department, saying at times that officers are misunderstood. Chief Derrick Diggs has sought to improve the relationship between the department and the community since taking office in August. Outreach meetings began in September.

Diggs has also hired consultants to help improve the department. The consultants surveyed officers, who recommended a hiring push and better communication between the department and the public.